Promoting Human Security Through Sustainable Resettlement in Zambia

Duration: April 2019– June 2022
Budget: US$6,059,450 (UNTFHS: $1,999,034; Pooled Funding: $4,060,416)
Implementing Agencies: UNDP (lead), UNHCR

Situated at the heart of central southern Africa, Zambia shares borders with eight countries resulting in significant movements of people including refugees and asylum seekers into its borders. To ensure that communities living in the resettlement sites of Meheba and Mayukwayukwa are fully integrated into national planning processes at all levels, the programme implements the human security approach and takes into consideration the localized and priority needs of the participating communities. Specifically, social exclusion, discrimination and violence, including child labor, sexual and gender-based violence, coupled with sporadic drought and floods due to climate change and water pollution from neighboring mines have degraded food, health, economic and environmental securities of communities in an around the resettlement sites.

The overall goal of the programme is for communities living in the resettlement sites to be productive and fully integrated into Zambian society. Specifically, the programme aims to ensure that (i) the Government at national and sub-national levels undertake inclusive and participatory planning and governance processes that incorporate the resettlement sites; (ii) communities in and around the resettlement sites have access to social services and sustainable economic opportunities; and (iii) resettlement and surrounding communities are tolerant, inclusive and integrated through community dialogue and outreach that enable all residents to live in freedom and dignity and to realize their full potential.

Based on the human security approach, the programme comes at a critical time to ensure a sustainable transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable development. It brings together the expertise of different implementing partners to facilitate the Zambian Government-led Strategic Framework for the Local Integration of Former Refugees in Zambia and to address the needs of both refugees and host communities in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.

Combining top-down and bottom-up approaches, the programme focuses on the participating communities to ensure that their need and aspirations drive a mutually reinforcing transition that not only prioritizes and implements local level responses (e.g., trainings in livelihood initiatives including in agriculture; value addition for local products and marketing support; cash transfers and access to financial services where no formal backing sector exists; mainstreaming of farming and climate resilient agricultural techniques; etc.) but also in establishing the necessary social protection and governance mechanisms (e.g., issuance of long-tern resident permits for eligible refugees resulting in their legal integration; demarcation of land for resettlement and increasing access to basic services; establishment of community-based natural resource management boards; development of early warning systems in partnership with the private sector; among others).

At the same time, the programme creates cross-sectoral synergies to find lasting solutions through improvements in access to education, health, water, sanitation, shelter, infrastructure, land and livelihoods. For example, to mitigate tensions over resources, the programme improves access to water and sanitation facilities, promotes low-cost energy efficient farming, and strengthens primary health care. Similarly, it increases diversified livelihood opportunities and strengthens economic, food and health security in the resettlement sites. Moreover, in partnership with local mining companies, as a strong economic driver in the country, the programme promotes sustainable management of natural resources and establishes early warning and local governance structures to proactively address future risks and prevent potential disputes and conflict.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary